Groundwater Patents (Class 210/170.07)
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Patent number: 8512557Abstract: Provided is a radon reduction apparatus for groundwater disinfection. The radon reduction apparatus includes an agitation space forming body that groundwater fed through a groundwater feed pipe passes through before inflow into the groundwater storage tank and that forms a water turbine installation space whose top portion is not filled with groundwater; a water turbine located in the water turbine installation space to be rotated by groundwater when the fed groundwater falls, is run against the bottom and scattered; an oxygen supply unit supplying oxygen to groundwater before inflow of the groundwater to the agitation space forming body; a ventilating fan rotated by receiving rotary power of the water turbine and connected to the water turbine installation space to discharge air of the water turbine installation space; and an antiseptic solution supply unit supplying antiseptic solution to be mixed with the groundwater.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources(KIGAM)Inventors: Kil Yong Lee, Kyung Seok Ko, Yoon Yeol Yoon
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Patent number: 8496815Abstract: Systems and methods for the recovery of iodine are described. In particular, recovery systems and methods produce an iodine complex from an aqueous brine containing iodide. A head tank for maintains a supply of the brine, a pH controller acidifies brine received from the head tank and an oxidizer converts iodide in the acidified brine to elemental iodine. At least one activated carbon contactor module is removably inserted into a stream of the oxidized brine provided by the oxidizer and binds the molecular iodine to form the iodine complex. A container may enclose the head tank, the pH controller and the oxidizer in order to facilitate transportation of the system and performance of the methods and processes in proximity to a brine source. The brine may be employed or associated with oilfield operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Iofina Natural Gas, Inc.Inventors: Terry Brix, James Reynolds
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Publication number: 20130186822Abstract: Described herein are systems and processes employing a low energy forward osmosis membrane water processing system to simultaneously (1) detoxify reverse osmosis (RO) residual (reject) brines from ground water treatment, and (2) expand available industrial and agricultural ground water supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: HYDRATION SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: HYDRATION SYSTEMS, LLC
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Patent number: 8480903Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater having contaminants such as but not limited to organic compounds perhaps providing adsorption, chemical oxidation, and even biodegradation of contaminants with novel treatments such as but not limited to mixtures of granular activated carbon, calcium peroxide, sodium persulfate, and nitrate perhaps in various concentrations.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Jesse Clinton Taylor, III
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Patent number: 8409442Abstract: A system for treating fractionated water from an oil and gas well. The system comprising a filter system, a diffusive membrane system, a plurality of membrane sensors, and at least one membrane controller. The filter system is fluidly connected to the diffusive membrane system, wherein the filter system comprises a plurality of straining filter banks. The diffusive membrane system comprises a plurality of membrane banks each having an inlet and an outlet. The plurality of membrane sensors are positioned at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks, and the plurality of membrane sensors are configured to detect the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: NG Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Donald W. Booth
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Publication number: 20130075316Abstract: A water pollutant processing method to adsorb, oxidize and activate water pollutants includes using an adsorbent with low oxidation number (zeolite), an activator (from industrial wastes, such as BF slags and BOF slags) and a persulfate to process polluted water and underground water. The method includes an integrated processing system including the persulfate, adsorbent with low oxidation number and iron-containing activator. The integrated processing system not only possesses an adsorbing capability, but also an oxidizing capability using transition metal such as iron on the surface of the activator. The system can not only accelerate removal of water pollutants, but also delay movement of the pollutants to further reduce threat of pollutant spreading to downstream. BF and BOF slags are industrial wastes and the present invention also provides a channel for reusing the wastes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL CHI NAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Ku-Fan Chen, Yu-Chen Chang, Hung-Jen Huang, Ting-Yu Chen
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Patent number: 8366808Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hycap Energy LLCInventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
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Patent number: 8360682Abstract: A method for treating soft soil, including dividing a site into a plurality of subsections, investigating profile of the soft soil in each of the plurality of subsections, estimating expected settlement of the soft soil in each of the plurality of subsections, installing a plurality of water-tight systems around the site to block seepage of ambient groundwater from entering the site, installing a plurality of vacuum pipes in the plurality of subsections in a layered matrix form, connecting the plurality of vacuum pipes to a vacuum system via a plurality of ground horizontal pipes, placing a piezometer in each soil stratum, probing ramming energy thereof by conducting dynamic trials, measuring pore water pressure dissipation of each soil stratum to determine the spacing of the plurality of vacuum pipes, and performing a plurality of cycles of vacuum-compactions in each of the plurality of subsections.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Shanghai Harbour Soft Soil Treatment Engineering Co. Ltd.Inventor: Shilong Xu
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Publication number: 20130006023Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluorinated hydrocarbons and/or perchlorate species from groundwater which can utilize ion exchange media comprising a hydrophobic polymeric matrix. Fluorinated hydrocarbons can be reduced to a parts per trillion level and perchlorate to a low parts per billion level, rendering the groundwater suitable for consumption as drinking water under regulatory standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Gregory Bachman, Timothy J. Peschman, Douglas C. Kellogg, Jeffrey J. Ogle
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Publication number: 20120252102Abstract: Systems, compositions, and methods for the anaerobic oxidative bioremediation of a contaminant contained within a treatment zone associated with a contaminated region. These systems, compositions, and methods may include a bioremediation formulation that includes a high-mobility oxidant, a low-mobility oxidant, and a nutrient source. The high-mobility oxidant may include a nitrate salt. The low-mobility oxidant may include a sulfate salt. The nutrient source may include brewer's yeast and/or a complex sugar. The bioremediation formulation also may include one or more additional components, including a phosphate salt, a surfactant, a solvent, a chemical oxidant, and/or a bio-augmentation species.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Bioremediation Specialists, LLCInventor: Troy John Fowler
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Patent number: 8235627Abstract: A system for detecting and remediating a discharge of fuel from a fuel source facility is disclosed. The system can comprise a contamination detection subsystem configured to detect a discharge of fuel from the fuel source facility and a remediation subsystem configured to remediate contamination due to the discharge of fuel. A controller can automatically activate the remediation subsystem upon detection of a discharge by the contamination detection subsystem. The controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventors: Mark T. Ellis, Son Q. Le, Larry J. Davis
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Publication number: 20120145648Abstract: A treatment system for degrading chlorinated dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) is disclosed. The treatment system comprises a solvent system and hydrophobic zero valent irons distributed in the solvent system. In addition, the method of remediation of groundwater is also disclosed by using the treatment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Hsin-Lan Hsu, Chien-Yi Liao, Sun-Yuan Tzeng
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Publication number: 20120138518Abstract: A natural filtering system for the treatment of swimming pool water and/or treatment processes in other applications involving the use of water (aqueducts, wells, drinking water purification plant, filtering plant for the collection of rain water, etc.), which can be installed inside compensation tanks in the case of swimming pools or in storage tanks or decantation tanks for other applications, and where the compensation tank (26) is filled with a filtering mass (14), comprising microparticles of high-efficiency quartz sand or similar or other material suitable for treating water, and where the mass is supported by at least one plate (15) extending over the entire surface of the compensation tank, and where the plate rests on at least one micromesh net made from high-density polyethylene, and where the water in the compensation tank (26) is purified by gravity-fed sprays (12) and by feeding stabilised and non-stabilised disinfectants (22) and pH correctors (23) into the compensation tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Filippo Bussinelli
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Patent number: 8152997Abstract: A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: N.L. Olson & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Wesley R. Johnson, Richard H. Langford, II
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Patent number: 8146662Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe and a wire wrap layer. The wire wrap layer includes a wire wrapped around support ribs. The wire wrap layer has an axial end section wrapped at a first gage and an intermediate section wrapped at a second, larger gage. A mesh layer is provided around the wire wrap layer. An outer shroud is provided around the mesh layer, the outer shroud sealed to the wire wrap layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Shoemate
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Publication number: 20110293492Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods relating to advanced, high pressure oxidation are described. The devices, systems, and methods can be used to decontaminate ground water in a well or opening in a ground water table, and to recover minerals and hydrocarbons from subterranean deposits.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Douglas C. Gustafson, Dana Wregglesworth
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Publication number: 20110284088Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of using effluent from a wastewater treatment plant are provided, where treated wastewater can exploit geothermal energy while delivering usable thermal energy to buildings by passing through an effluent distribution system including mains. The effluent distribution system mains can also recover the effluent used in each building and return the thermally exploited effluent to one or more ecological recharge basins, where at each basin the mains can join an infrastructure to distribute effluent to vegetation or exploit geothermal energy throughout the basin before redistributing the geothermally regulated effluent to buildings, or export the effluent to a network of EDS, or import effluent from a network of EDS.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Essential Water LLCInventor: Robert J. Mahony
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Patent number: 8057675Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: JRW Bioremediation, LLCInventors: Shireen Baseeth, Paul Bloom, Bruce Sebree, Donovan Smith
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Publication number: 20110210050Abstract: Novolak resins are incorporated for enhancing the acid resistance of polyamide compositions. Polyamide compositions containing such novolak resins are useful for producing various plastic shaped articles, such as calibrated particles or injection-molded parts, and are particularly useful for the recovery of sludge, liquids, and gases present in underground reservoirs, especially in the field of hydrocarbon extraction such as crude oil or natural gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: Rhodia OperationsInventors: Gilles Orange, Mathilde Mercier
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Patent number: 7998344Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering contaminated water from an oil or gas well.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Robert L. Miller
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Patent number: 7988851Abstract: A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: N. L. Olson & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Wesley R. Johnson, Richard H. Langford, II
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Publication number: 20110139695Abstract: The present invention provides a safe, low-cost, effective composition and method for the remediation of contaminated subsurface material, the composition comprising solid alkaline material preferably in combination with stabilizing agents, that can be used to increase or maintain the pH of a subsurface zone and improve the performance of in situ treatment processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Solutions-IES, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Borden
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Patent number: 7942198Abstract: A novel aerator for use inside a well casing in conjunction with a submersible pump, the aerator comprising a check-valve with a nozzle for spraying a portion of a water supply that is being pumped by the pump. The spray is directed towards the well water within the well casing and is calibrated to provide enough agitation to promote the evolution of dissolved gases in the water both as it is sprayed and also as the spray contacts the surface of the well water. The check-valve is calibrated to operate at a pressure threshold to ensure that spraying occurs only when the pump is running.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventor: Howard W. Zirkle
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Patent number: 7887762Abstract: An ozone gas source supplies a high pressure ozone gas mixture of an oxygen carrier gas having a high ozone gas concentration of 5-14% of ozone gas to a pulse storage tank. A programmable controller causes a valve means to open and transport the ozone gas mixture within the high pressure pulse storage tank into an injection point when pressure of the ozone gas mixture in the high-pressure pulse storage tank reaches a high discharge pressure site-specific set-point, and causes the valve means to close when pressure within the high pressure pulse storage tank drops and approaches a low pressure site-specific set-point. This process is repeated for injection of a gas pulse into second and subsequent injection points. The high concentration of ozone dissolves a high percentage of ozone into groundwater, producing enhanced oxidation of contaminants and the high gas pressure forces ozone into smaller pores, enhancing contact with contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Gerald H. Cresap, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110017648Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-storing and water-cleaning system. Said system is designed in such a manner that it can be used irrespective of location. It is used, inter alia, in agriculture, in horticulture and in reforestation. Said system comprises a reservoir (2) that is filled with a porous material (3), into which the water is seeped. In order to displace the seepage path, the reservoir (2) contains at least one barrier layer (5) made of a water-impermeable material, that separates the two layers made of the porous material (3) and comprises an outlet (6) for connecting the layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: LUXIN (GREEN PLANET) AGInventors: Holger Burkhardt, Arthur Glanzmann
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Publication number: 20100319347Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the exploitation of geothermal heat and for conveying and decontaminating ground water. Said system comprises a main pipe (20), arranged in a pit (10) of well and being subdivided into an upper and a lower part by a transverse seal (21), said transverse seal having an opening in which a pump (22) is arranged which delivers water from the lower part of the main pipe. The pump is connected to a delivery pipe (30) which is connected to an overground closed circuit, said closed circuit at its other end leading to the upper part of the main pipe and the main pipe having through openings (23) towards the surroundings upstream and downstream of the transverse seal. The main pipe is surrounded by a porous bed which surrounds the hollow space of the pit around the main pipe. The porous bed is interrupted by a sealing material (12) at the level of the transverse seal so that the porous bed is hydraulically interrupted. The invention also relates to the use of said system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: GEO-EN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventor: Michael Viernickel
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Publication number: 20100300986Abstract: A well filtration device includes a first pipe including a first end having a first thickness and first opening diameter, a second end having a second thickness and a second opening diameter, and many openings through a portion of the first pipe. A second pipe includes a first end having a third thickness and a third opening diameter, a second end having the third thickness and the third opening diameter, many openings throughout the second pipe, and reinforcement portions throughout the second pipe. The second pipe is configured to attach over the first pipe to allow filtration of a liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Harout Ohanesian
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Publication number: 20100294705Abstract: A water drainage and harvesting system for use with an artificial turf field comprises permeable synthetic turf, permeable impact-absorbing sub-base material beneath the turf, a water collection basin below the field, a water reservoir below the collection basin, the basin and reservoir having an impermeable liner, a water tank in the reservoir, and a conduit from the tank that allows for filtered water to be pumped to the ground surface for reuse. The disclosure further relates to a method for the construction of such a water storage and conveyance system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Eric M. Henry, Terry J. McMains, Tanya R. Sanchez
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Publication number: 20100230363Abstract: A sulfurous acid treated wastewater disposal method employing soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for artificial recharge of groundwater through infiltration basins allowing fully or partially-treated sewage effluent to infiltrate into the soil and move down to the groundwater through a “vadose” zone, which acts as a natural filter to remove essentially all suspended solids, biodegradable materials, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLCInventors: Terry Gong, John Harmon, Marcus G. Theodore
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Publication number: 20100227381Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil that uses chemical oxidation and biodegradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: VERUTEK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: George E. Hoag, John Collins
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Publication number: 20100209194Abstract: A system for soil, groundwater, or surface water remediation, comprises a water supply including a first fluid stream in fluid communication with a first injection point, and a second fluid stream in fluid communication with a second injection point. A first surfactant pump can be adapted to inject a surfactant into the first fluid stream, and a second surfactant pump can be adapted to inject a surfactant into the second fluid stream. A first oxidant pump can be adapted to inject an oxidant into the first fluid stream, and a second oxidant pump can be adapted to inject an oxidant into the second fluid stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: VeruTEK Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William E. Guite, George E. Hoag, Ralph W. Cook
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Publication number: 20100145113Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluorinated hydrocarbons and/or perchlorate species from groundwater which can utilize ion exchange media comprising a hydrophobic polymeric matrix. Fluorinated hydrocarbons can be reduced to a parts per trillion level and perchlorate to a low parts per billion level, rendering the groundwater suitable for consumption as drinking water under regulatory standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Gregory Bachman, Timothy J. Peschman, Douglas C. Kellogg, Jeffrey J. Ogle
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Patent number: 7712997Abstract: A plastics infiltration block for infiltration or attenuation purposes is disclosed. The infiltration block has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body having pairs of opposed first, second and third faces. At least one inspection channel extends through the infiltration block and inspection channel openings are positioned in opposed third faces of the infiltration block. The area of each inspection channel opening is at least 10% of the size of the area of the third face. The infiltration block can include a single infiltration block element or multiple coupled infiltration block elements. The infiltration block element has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body. A grid of duct walls forming substantially parallel ducts extend between each first face and the one or more inspection channels of the infiltration block, and between each second face and the inspection channels of the infiltration block.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Wavin B.V.Inventor: Marcel Roelfsema
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Publication number: 20100096337Abstract: A system for the treatment of groundwater is described, the system including: a first component for placement into a groundwater table, the first component having a first end and a second end and an interior space defined by an inner wall and extending between the first end and the second end; at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned with the interior space of the first component to provide ultrasonically induced cavitation to a volume of water within the interior space; a pump associated with the first end of the first component to draw water from the groundwater table into the interior space of the first component; an outlet associated with the second end of the first component, the outlet positioned to direct a volume of water away from the first component after the water has passed therethrough; a power supply; and a radio frequency generator capable of providing a radio frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Brian T. Mader, Chad D. Vecitis, Michael R. Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20100065509Abstract: The present invention is uniquely engineered and provides water treatment devices for treatment of water in a small community or individual who are out of reach of access to safe water for domestic use, reach of adequate resources and reside in rural setting. Water treatment device of the invention are flexible, light weight and have high capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: WET-TEK LLCInventors: Donald Fredrick Kerr, Matthew Geho, James E. Tripi, Sylvester Taliferro
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Publication number: 20100059454Abstract: An underground plume of water and soil which has been contaminated typically by H2S and/or hydrocarbon leakage from underground fuel containers is mitigated by a process of injecting a combination of colloids, peroxides and enzymes. This is accomplished by obtaining core samples to determine the extent of contamination thereby defining the perimeter of the plume, and drilling a series of injection well sites on a pavement or other surface to mitigate the leakage. In a first stage of mitigation, a colloid containing micelles is pressured into the injection wells, the colloid functioning to neutralize hydrocarbons, MTBE, solvents, and similar compounds, thereby mitigating the plume contamination. In a second stage, if mitigation of the plume contamination proves insufficient using colloid treatment, peroxides are then pressured into the injection wells. Typical peroxides could include hydrogen peroxide and various other peroxides.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Nima Kabir, Lilyanna Perez, Yones Kabir
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Patent number: 7651611Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes emitting plural streams of a fluid into a soil formation with the streams having different radii of influences in different directions. A direction microporous diffuser includes a holder member having plural compartments and plural hollow, elongated members having porous sidewalls, the plural hollow, elongated members supported in the plural compartments of the holder member with each hollow, elongated member including a an inlet port at a first end of the elongated member and second end of the elongated member being sealed.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7648640Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7645380Abstract: Apparatuses for removal of volatile organic compounds in a soil formation include a microporous diffuser for injecting air and gaseous ozone as bubbles into water in the soil formation. The gaseous ozone is present at concentrations to effect removal of volatile organic compounds by the gaseous ozone reacting with the volatile organic compound(s). Injection of air and gaseous ozone is controlled by a timer to allow separation of bubbles by size. In various embodiments, a plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by a single timer or each of the plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by one of a plurality of timers.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Publication number: 20090301717Abstract: A method and a device (2) for destruction of organic material in injection water for an injection well (4), in which a means (10) for introduction of water in the injection well (4), and at least one electrochemical cell (16) with associated operating means are used for in situ electrolytic generation from water of at least short-lived, free hydroxyl radicals. The distinctive characteristic of the invention is that it comprises the following steps: (A) to connect the at least one electrochemical cell (16) to the injection well (4); and (B) by means of said operating means, to conduct the injection water through said cell (16) for in situ generation of at least free hydroxyl radicals from the injection water, insofar as free hydroxyl radicals immediately destruct organic material that they engage in the injection water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Helge Lunde, David Pinchin
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Patent number: 7615148Abstract: A filter assembly for a seawall filters the flow of groundwater through a hole in the wall. The filter assembly includes: (a) a housing containing a flat flange and a perforated conical shell, the shell adapted to extend into the hole with its apex extending toward the landward side, the flange having a seaward side adapted to fit flushly against the seawall, the flange having a landward side connected to the shell, the flange having an opening that defines an open base for the shell; (b) a perforated conical cage having an open base that fits within the shell of the housing; (c) a conical filter element having an open base that fits within the cage; (d) a perforated conical sleeve having an open base that fits within the filter element; and (e) a perforated cap that is removably and flushly fastened to the opening in the flange to secure the cage, filter element, and sleeve within the shell of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Inventor: David W. Gentry
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Publication number: 20090266755Abstract: A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
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Patent number: 7572368Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7569140Abstract: Treatment of contaminates by an apparatus that includes a directional microporous diffuser, a distribution arrangement to receive a fluid, an air compressor having a first outlet to feed air to the distribution arrangement, an ozone generator coupled between a second outlet of the air compressor and the distribution arrangement, to convert a portion of the oxygen in the air feed into ozone and a control arrangement to control the distribution arrangement to effect discharge of fluid into selected ones of mutually isolated regions in the directional microporous diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7547388Abstract: Equipment and process by which an operator can set (or program) a time sequence of coatings of oxygen with increasing oxidation potential for in-situ treatment (chemical reaction) of organic compounds ranging from superoxidation (catalyzed ozone) to reduction conditions involving hydrogen sulfide gas is described. The equipment makes use of oxygen in a combination of gaseous and liquid forms to produce microbubbles of, e.g., different composition of oxygen forms possessing peroxides, superoxides, and hydroperoxides with increasing oxidative potential. The oxidative potential of the reactive mixture can be set to more cost-effectively degrade byproducts of contaminant decomposition without reformulation and reinjection. A secondary advantage comes with in-situ adjustment of pH or acidity/basicity.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Think Village-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7537706Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poroType: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Publication number: 20090090666Abstract: A process for in situ groundwater decontamination within a subsurface region of earth includes: directing a liquid feed stream through a first conduit; injecting a treatment gas into the first conduit and/or a second conduit; discharging the liquid feed stream downwardly from the first conduit through an orifice restriction into the second conduit to form a confined plunging liquid jet gas and liquid contact zone in the second conduit; dissolving at least a portion of the treatment gas into the liquid feed stream in the contact zone to form an enhanced gas concentration liquid stream; passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream downwardly from the contact zone; and passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream from the second conduit into the groundwater. A device for performing this process is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: LEGGETTE BRASHEARS & GRAHAM, INC.Inventor: Brad W. Koons
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Publication number: 20090050549Abstract: Apparatuses for removal of volatile organic compounds in a soil formation include a microporous diffuser for injecting air and gaseous ozone as bubbles into water in the soil formation. The gaseous ozone is present at concentrations to effect removal of volatile organic compounds by the gaseous ozone reacting with the volatile organic compound(s). Injection of air and gaseous ozone is controlled by a timer to allow separation of bubbles by size. In various embodiments, a plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by a single timer or each of the plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by one of a plurality of timers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Publication number: 20090045116Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for the desalination/purification of brackish water and industrial waste with zero liquid discharge, including reverse osmosis (1 and 9) or filtering (20) modules, containers for receiving waste (18), a centrifugal module (6), dryers (7 and 17), a heating circuit (11) and high-vacuum chambers (14) fitted with ejectors (15) that are supplied with fresh water as a driving fluid. The invention also includes an internal combustion engine (12) which is connected to an alternator (19) in order to produce electric power. The invention takes the from of a combined heat and power plant which, in addition to producing the power necessary for the operation of the drinking water production plant, can also produce excess electric power to be transferred to the grid, by harnessing the heat energy of the exhaust gases and the cooling of the engine (12) in order to heat the closed heating circuit (11) using exchangers and to heat the air from the dryers (17) using air generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Jose Clavel Escribano
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Patent number: RE43350Abstract: Apparatuses for removal of volatile organic compounds in a soil formation include a microporous diffuser for injecting air and gaseous ozone as bubbles into water in the soil formation. The gaseous ozone is present at concentrations to effect removal of volatile organic compounds by the gaseous ozone reacting with the volatile organic compound(s). Injection of air and gaseous ozone is controlled by a timer to allow separation of bubbles by size. In various embodiments, a plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by a single timer or each of the plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by one of a plurality of timers.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Think Village-Kerfoot, LLCInventor: William B. Kerfoot